No contract talks yet, but Orakpo wants to remain with Redskins

Posted by Josh Alper on May 6, 2013, 1:41 PM EDT

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Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo’s return to action after last year’s torn pectoral muscle is a significant one for both player and team.

For the Redskins, adding the pass rushing skills of a healthy Orakpo to a defense that seemed to find a groove down the stretch last season holds the promise for even better results in 2013. For Orakpo, it is a chance to make a strong impression ahead of the expiration of the contract he signed with the team after they made him a first-round pick in 2009.

Orakpo said Monday that he and the team have yet to have any conversations about a new contract, which suggests that the Redskins would like to see Orakpo at full health following his second torn pectoral in the last three years before thinking about anything beyond next season. Orakpo made it clear that he has no interest in playing anywhere else, however, and he said that owner Dan Snyder and coach Mike Shanahan have each given him the impression that the Redskins also want the relationship to continue.

“I would love to be a Redskin for life,” Orakpo said, via Rich Campbell of the Washington Times. “That’s my goal. Obviously, when I talked to Mr. Snyder, he said that’s his goal. Coach Shanahan said that’s his goal. As long as both sides take care of our business, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Orakpo says he’s 100 percent healthy, which would make it in his best interests to hold off on any serious negotiations until he gets back on the field and shows he can play at the same level he was at before the second pectoral tear. While that might wind up costing the Redskins a bit more than if they struck a deal right now, it would be worth spending a little more if Orakpo’s presence ensures increased pressure on the quarterback.

No I don’t want him back. He’s the LaVar Arrington of this decade/generation. I said it back when when he got injured week 2, Rob Jackson was better and as usual, I was proven right when it came to pass. #MyFootballKnowledgeissuperior

davekezer says:May 6, 2013 2:06 PM

Orakpo is a good player, but apparently he wants somewhere in the $50 – $60 million range for his next contract. That’s too much money for someone with his injury history.

Also, he’s very inconsistent. Some games he’ll light teams up with 4 sacks, others, he’s invisible. OK against the run, and not very good in coverage. It took him two and a half seasons to get his first sack against an NFC East opponent.

If the Skins can get him for a reasonable contract, do it. Otherwise, it might be time for him to walk.

@laxcoach37..well said I’m waiting for the inevitable comment that Orakpo is in the top 5 greatest linebackers of all time.orakpo’s time can be summed up like this.if…if’s and but’s were fruit and nuts oh what a party we would have.

the reason orakpo wants to retire as a skin is cause Snyder has the reputation for overpaying like my rams got him to overpay for rg3. we are still not done collecting on that deal and already have 5 starters and a couple reserves plus the skins number 1 again next year why would anyone want to go anywhere else

isonic1 says:May 6, 2013 3:35 PM

garyhd01 says:
May 6, 2013 2:46 PM
the reason orakpo wants to retire as a skin is cause Snyder has the reputation for overpaying like my rams got him to overpay for rg3. we are still not done collecting on that deal and already have 5 starters and a couple reserves plus the skins number 1 again next year why would anyone want to go anywhere else.

Hmm, we (swapped 1sts) gave you a 2nd round pick and the 23rd pick this year. If things go the same this season, a mid-level (or perhaps) late 1st round pick it would be again. Not bad compensation for a franchise qb IMO.

Giants can’t beat Rex Grossman, much less RGIII. Our secondary will be far better this year, 12-4 at worst. NFC EAST Champions again.

thirdistheworrd says:May 6, 2013 4:42 PM

davekezer says:
May 6, 2013 2:06 PM
Orakpo is a good player, but apparently he wants somewhere in the $50 – $60 million range for his next contract. That’s too much money for someone with his injury history.
________________
First off, source? “According to…” is always a better argument than “apparently”?

On top of that, before last year, he had only missed one preseason game ever, with a bone bruise on his thigh. His first “torn pectoral” was such a non-issue, he didn’t even miss OTA’s. Last year, Roger Saffold stomped on Orakpo’s shoulder after the whistle. So his injury history should really not be a concern.

thirdistheworrd says:May 6, 2013 5:06 PM

garyhd01 says:
May 6, 2013 2:46 PM
…Snyder has the reputation for overpaying like my rams got him to overpay for rg3. we are still not done collecting on that deal and already have 5 starters and a couple reserves plus the skins number 1 again next year why would anyone want to go anywhere else
__________
Do you know how many good quarterbacks entered the draft this year? Zero. How many will enter the draft next year? One, maybe two, maybe none.

At no. 22 this year, the Redskins could have taken Desmond Trufant. With 6 and 37 last year, they could have had Mark Barron and Mitchell Schwartz. If you think having Mark Barron, Mitchell Schwartz and Desmond Trufant would be better for DC than having Robert Griffin; you probably shouldn’t be discussing football.

Even assuming Bridgewater and Manziel both impress next season and don’t decide to return to school; the Redskins wouldn’t have a high enough pick to take either one. So now it’s a 2015 and the Redskins have four quality players, but are still starting Rex Grossman, and will have to wait until April 2016 for a hypothetical franchise QB, who might bust, who might not fit in the system, and who probably won’t be as good as Robert Griffin.

Basically, when you see a sure-thing franchise QB, you get him. There’s no such thing as overpaying for a Robert Griffin. And good luck to the Rams too, I hope they enjoy those picks and become a competitive franchise again. In short, no one “fleeced” anyone. This was a win-win trade all the way around.

thirdistheworrd says:May 6, 2013 5:26 PM

Things logicalvoicesays has said:
1.“best 3 wide recievers of all time in no particular order: Leonard Hankerson, Pierre Garcon, RG3″
2.”#DanSnyderisthegreatestownerofalltime”
3.”#DeAngeloHallBestCBinHistory”
4.”DeAngelo Hall is a high character guy”
5.”#GodsTeam”
6. “#MyFootballKnowledgeissuperior”